Trivia

During World War I, he served as a fighter pilot with the Royal Canadian Flying Corps.

Father of actor Richard Arlen Jr.

Made quite a few pictures for producers William H. Pine and William C. Thomas, known as "The Dollar Bills" because none of their films ever lost money. Part of the reason Arlen may have made so many for the pair was that he was also a major stockholder in their production company, Pine-Thomas Productions.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6755 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on February 8, 1960.

Supported Barry Goldwater in the 1964 United States presidential election.

Following his death, he was interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.

Attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.